Fedor Emelianenko Announces Retirement From MMA

The most decorated heavyweight in mixed martial arts history has called it a career. After putting Pedro Rizzo to sleep in merely 84 seconds on Thursday, Fedor Emelianenko (Pictured) announced his retirement from the sport.

“I think it is time I quit,” Emelianenko said (per Ria Novosti). “My family influenced my decision. My daughters are growing without me, that’s why it’s time to leave.”

Emelianenko made his claim to fame for his vast accomplishments in Japan’s PrideFC in the early-mid 2000′s. At one stage during his illustrious career, Emelianenko had rattled off 27 consecutive Ws.

However, some will always question his credentials because he never competed in the UFC.

Although Emelianenko will hang up his MMA gloves as the heavyweight division’s G.O.A.T., it’s tough not to wonder what could have been if he would have taken his talents to the Octagon during his prime.

The Russian had difficulties collecting wins in America under Strikeforce’s banner. After posting a victory over Brett Rogers in his promotional debut, Emelianenko was upset by Fabricio Werdum in his next outing. He was then mauled by Antonio “Bigfoot” Silva and then Dan Henderson had him planking on the canvas in his last Strikeforce bout.

He snapped his three-fight losing skid in November by posting an uneventful unanimous decision victory over Jeff Monson. The 35-year-old followed that up by quickly disposing of Satoshi Ishii on New Year’s Eve in Japan.